Job Discussion Forums

[roamingteacher]

When people talk about the 'heavy' workload at JIS, what exactly do they mean? What is it that makes it so heavy - regular testing, homeworks - can anyone be specific? For example, at the moment I work in a school where the workload can be overwhelming, if you let it, but being well-organised (i.e. using frees for prep and marking instead of cups of tea) and using peer and self assessment at times can work wonders.Is there something about JIS that makes this impossible? Are people referring to actual paperwork or hours they are expected to be on site? Why does it seem that so many take work home?

[roamingteacher]

Nobody out there? You can PM if you're worried about being identified...

[gajackson1]

I know only a couple of staff there (who are not on this site, unless they are lurking/have aliases), and I know a couple of families who send their kids there, so I know a little from the parents and students side of it. But sorry to say, I have NO real idea about the workload.

However . . . if I remember correctly, a couple of teachers HAVE commented here on it in the past.

The search function isn't so reliable (esp. where Boolean searches go - often the whole page will hang or stay blank), but if you try a search in this forum for JIS, I would bet that Ctrl + F and the keyword workload might bring it up.

Good luck on it!

G.

[Javaggall]

Not fully sure about JIS and how it works - you hear lots of rumours here and I don't know if they will be helpful. The school is well respected and has a wide range of students from every international background - there are LOADS of extra curricular activities and the school is well resourced and seems well financed. However, there is an expectation that teachers will put in the hours. I know of one JIS teacher who leaves home about 6.45am and rarely returns before 5pm so it can be a long day - especially in this heat! Workload may be heavier because of these longer hours - who knows? Perhaps you are teaching more classes or there may be an expectation that you will take extra classes/sessions? Again, only rumour and no certainty here - but I think it's the hours that many people comment on.
Hope this helps.
As to the interview - no ideas there. The school is truly international and has VERY good exam results so have a read through their website for little extras. Good luck

[roamingteacher]

Thanks for that. I have seen a few posts which talk about the workload being heavy, but that's all they say. What I'm interested in is finding out if everybody would agree or if it depends on your time management skills etc. I just don't get how it can be THAT heavy unless there is a massive emphasis on testing, homework every night etc...

[jsteventon]

Congrats on getting an interview! Sorry to say that all this talk about a 'heavy workload' is not very helpful...JIS does expect teachers to work hard - nothing wrong with that surely? Teachers are paid a good salary with lots of benefits and it is a well-resourced school with hardworking students .

As I say, expectations of teachers are high - but that will be acceptable to anyone who is enthusiastic and motivated . And look at the holidays!! for example, students returned on August 31st after an 8 week break. They are now just finishing their 3rd week and have already had 3 public holidays. In October a further week off for half term. Then in December a further 3 weeks...etc. etc.

Hope this puts things into perspective.
JS

[roamingteacher]

Thanks JS - as helpful as ever. I'm not afraid of putting in the hours at all, but I just want to make sure that our work-life balance is as it should be. After all, it is the reason for relocating halfway across the globe.

I always do above and beyond anyway, but just want to make sure there is time to develop professionally and get involved in projects - not just tons of marking. From what I've researched, it sounds like any place with high standards - they expect your elbow grease and in return you get students that actually want to learn - what a novelty that'll be!

Thanks again and fingers crossed!

[celtica]

These are the things I have heard from different JIS teachers:
- long hours 7.00am (or before) depart from home. On a good day , home at four. More likely at five or sometimes six.
- lots of meetings add to the above hours
- boarding house duty on rotation supervising students study times, on occasion an outing with students during the weekend
- often teaching six or seven different levels eg Yr 7,8,9,10,12
- marking policy requires one piece of marking for every student every week. 100+ pieces per week - guiding comments expected.
- curriculum changes often made - means teachers frequently spending extra time familiarising themselves with the new
- after school activities - teachers expected to run a club once a week
-There is a fairly strong emphasis on testing and homework at JIS.

As for the extra time with your family ....

I have watched JIS teachers and their children spend their whole day at school - mum and dad working and the kids playing together in the after school care club. Then during their two day weekend ...mum or dad or both has to go to school one day/morning/afternoon to 'catch up on things'.

I see the CfBT teachers get home at 1pm at least two afternoons a week, do the school run, drop kids at activities or go to one of the various clubs together for a swim and possibly a meal out. Going to school on a Fri or Sun 'to catch up on things' is NEVER done!
Day to day life with your family is much more relaxed with CfBT.

BUT as JS says, JIS holidays are longer than CfBT.

2nd BUT : I would not come halfway around the world and work at JIS if I wanted a balance between work and family. I think CfBT gives a much better opportunity to do that.

[lacsap]

Rumour has it (often the most reliable source of information in Brunei) that private schools in Brunei will not be allowed to employ people over 55. This includes JIS and ISB but not CFBT. That means that people over that age will not be renewed. It also effectively means you will not be recruited if you are early 50s. Something to bear in mind. CFBT have a recruitment age limit of 55 but once in you can stay till early 60's.

[roamingteacher]

Anyone at ISB willing to PM me? Anyone especially who's worked at both JIS and ISB?